Abstract: The Department of Otolaryngology has active research across all of its divisions. The department has run a core facility for over 12 years that is accessible to more than 100 researchers within our department. The core facility is a training facility that fosters collaboration across technical expertise and biological questions. We are requesting the purchase of a super- resolution imaging system that will be placed into this core facility where training, scheduling and maintenance can be managed by experienced staff. The Abberior STED system incorporates the most up-to-date technology to provide the most versatile super- resolution system available. The use of adaptive optics and adaptive illumination allows for high-resolution live cell imaging. The incorporation of avalanche diodes provides the most sensitive detectors available. Quad scanners maintain beam positioning and alignment while providing image rotation. Matrix array spectral detection offers the next generation of improved signal to noise by removing out focus light. STED FLIM allows for lower power laser to improve live-cell imaging. It further provides optical colocalization by using a single light path for multiple emissions. Multiple emissions are possible by separating fluorophores by lifetime rather than wavelength. There are no existing systems at Stanford so this new device will be critical for many scientists both within and outside of our department. Work within our department spans from basic science to translational to clinical. It ranges from cancer to aging, to neurological disorders, sensory integration and drug and diagnostic development. It is directly in line with the mission of NIH in terms of a primary focus on health-related research and training of the next-generation of scientists. Our core facility also serves as a training facility where we engage students, postdocs, residents, etc. and train them on the first principles of the technology development, experimental design and data analysis. Finally, the Department of Otolaryngology supports the core facility and will support this new addition by providing the space and the resources needed for staff as well as maintenance, service and oversight of the equipment.

Narrative: We are requesting a super resolution STED Microscope from Abberior. The super resolution nature of this system will enable users to generate a more detailed localization of the key molecular and morphological features necessary for inner ear development, function and regeneration. This system accommodates both live cell and fixed tissue imaging.